life sentence

noun

plural life sentences
: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convicted person's life when there is no possibility of parole or for a minimum number of years under applicable law until the convicted person becomes eligible for and is granted parole

Examples of life sentence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If a jury accepts the defense, it is obligated to convict a defendant of manslaughter, which is punishable by up to 25 years in prison, instead of murder, which carries a potential life sentence. Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 In February 2023, Noem commuted Milk's life sentence for a manslaughter conviction in an October 1993 stabbing death. CBS News, 19 June 2026 The state's Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended in 2022 that the governor commute his life sentence. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 19 June 2026 The audience is introduced to David Burroughs (an intense Sam Worthington), who is in the fifth year of a life sentence for murdering his 3-year-old son in cold blood. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for life sentence

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of life sentence was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Life sentence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20sentence. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

Legal Definition

life sentence

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